Ash Heward represented the Philippines in the Asian Rugby Championship

Published:11:55Wednesday 13 May 2015

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Last week Sussex All Black second row Ashley Heward represented the Philippines known as the Volcanoes in the Asian Rugby Championship held in the new Philippines national sports stadium.

Ash who works in his family Tex Mex restaurant Spiral in Burgess Hill played against Singapore on Wednesday winning 20-17 in extra time before losing to Sri Lanka in the final 14-27 on Saturday.

Ash a Sussex All Black regular since 2013 moved to Burgess Hill from Devon to work in his brothers restaurant and was soon encouraged to come and play rugby for Burgess Hill RFC. It was the coaching team at the Sussex All Blacks who suggested he try out for his home country and Strength and Conditioning coach and fellow second row partner Cris Leahy pushed Ash hard to make the grade to be able to play international rugby. In the first game against Singapore the Volcanoes were behind for the majority of the match before scoring a converted try in injury time. In sudden death extra time after some fine work by the Volcanoes forwards including Heward they won a penalty which was converted for the win. In the final Sri Lanka avenged last years result and used their powerful forwards and skill full backs to keep at least 2 scores ahead throughout.

The Sussex All Blacks look forward to seeing “Ash the Smash” back for pre season ahead of the 2015-2016 campaign in London South East Division 3.

Ash Heward represented the Philippines in the Asian Rugby Championship

Ash Heward represented the Philippines in the Asian Rugby Championship